Computer Virus Attack

I would prefer we not mention the company I work for by name. I suspect security people are very alert right now.

If you follow the news, you will know our computer system seems to have been hit by a major computer virus. Real military-grade stuff if the reports are not exaggerated.

When I returned from vacation a note on my keyboard said the hard drive had been replaced. In addition I could not log in because the whole system is shut down pending all the machines being cleaned. No word on how long it will take. It is disorienting as heck, no e-mail, no access to the company phone book, no computerized attendance records. We have combustibles, we may resort to some sort of system of signal fires and smoke signals.

I keep all my files on my memory stick. I also back them up every month.

No doubt I lost important files on my office computer, but the critical stuff is safe. Still, I want to pass along an important lesson.** Back up everything!** If this could happen to me, it could happen to you too. In fact, I suppose it really is just a matter of time. Some of our guys are pulling their (limited) hair out to discover years of lesson plans, quizzes and so on are lost forever. We are talking years of work! I only hope student grades and stuff are safe.

Anyway, you hear about this stuff, but until you see it first-hand it doesn’t really hit home.

Was this the virus that is named for a synonym of fire?

I heard the name, it sounded like the local language, but our pontificators in the officer said that was probably a ruse.

Here’s a link to a New York Times article about the Shamoon virus.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I believe those super viruses were passed along using a memory stick like you are describing - so just wondering if when the computers are all up and running again, and you stick that memory stick back in to get your files, if you will accidentally be re-infecting the computer virus all over again?

At least that was my read when I read about that other incident in that other country.

I just hope to God you guy’s didn’t get the Norton virus. Worst fucker I ever had to deal with.

Just did a backup two days ago. It was long overdue.

They are tools of the Horned Devile.
I know of a user who carries flash drives about in a baggie, spread contamination for home to work and back again.
Ask the computer guys to scan your flash drive, Paul.